stamps issued in 2000

september

The Olympic Games, held once in every four years, are the greatest sporting events on the globe. They celebrate human excellence, the pinnacle of which is achieved when the mind and body strive in unison, motivated by a spirit of adventure. 

The ancient Olympic celebrations, which had its origin in Greece in the eighth century B.C., came to an end in 393 A.D. when the games were abolished by the Roman emperor Theodosius I, after Greece had lost its independence. However, the efforts of Baron Pierre Coubertin (1863-1937) of France led to the revival of the Olympics towards the end of 19th century. The Olympic motto "Citius, Altius, Fortius" -swifter, higher, stronger, made its appearance at the Antwerp games in 1922. Its inventor was a Dominican, Father Henry Didon. 

India's participation in Olympic Games dates back to 1920 and the country has been participating in all the Olympic Games ever since. 

The Department of Post has issued four stamps portraying Hockey (1000), Tennis (600), Weightlifting (1500) and Discus (300). 
 

INSAT-3B the first of the five satellites was successfully launched under the INSAT-3 series. INSAT-3B carried 12 extended C-band transponders, three Ku-band transponders and S-band mobile satellite service payloads. The satellite is primarily intended for business communication, developmental communication and mobile  communication. 

India's space program enters the new millennium with confidence. The Department of Posts has issued 3 stamps to mark this occasion. 
 

Launched by ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from SHAR Centre, Sriharikota, IRS-P4 (OCEANSAT) is the first satellite primarily built for Ocean applications. The 1050 kg satellite will be placed in a Polar sun synchronous orbit of 720 km height. IRS-P4 will carry on board an Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM) and a Multifrequency Scanning Microwave Radiometer (MSMR). OCM is a solid state camera used to collect data on chlorophyll concentration, detect and monitor phytoplankton blooms and obtain data on atmospheric aerosols and suspended sediments in the water. MSMR is used to collect data on sea surface temperature, wind speed, cloud water content and water vapour content in the atmosphere above the ocean. 
 

The stamp in a setenant format depicts the winning entry in the senior category. The painting by S Praveen shows the young minds fascination for space exploration and the quest for the knowledge about the unknown.